LARES 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

1. OVERVIEW

1. The LARES HOT SPRINGS TREK

is a less strenuous way to see the beautiful Lares Valley and Machu Picchu. It is one of the most
beautiful treks available through the Vilcanota Mountain Range of the Andes to Machu Picchu.

It is more cultural as you see local stone houses and encounter local people along the way. This is
an excellent and popular alternative to the Inka Trail, offering more connection to the local people
and culture. On this trek you also see many beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, and herds of
alpacas and llamas.

2. ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – URUBAMBA – PUMAHUANCA – CUYOC

We will pick you up at your hotel at 5:30 am in order to take a panoramic route by car into the
Sacred Valley, passing through Chincheros and stopping in Urubamba for a quick breakfast at a
local restaurant. Restrooms are available and you have the opportunity to buy last minute items
such as a rain poncho or extra snacks. After breakfast we drive another 25 minutes to the
Pumahuanca valley, famous for its white corn and Chicha (traditional corn beer of the Incas).

Here we begin our trek through this gorgeous valley, where the woods of the Queuñas (Polylepis)
trees predominate the landscape, on a gentle serpentine ascent and impressive views. We hike for
about 3 hours to the archeological site called Inca-Kancha, and after exploring the complex we will
hike 1 more hour to the lunch place.

You will have time to relax until we continue our hike through the Queuñas trees to the
community of Paccha where a spectacular mountain landscape with plenty of lamas, alpacas and
sheep awaits us. We will walk for another 2 hours, passing several small waterfalls, arriving at our
campsite Cuyoc at an altitude of 4.010m/13,156ft.

Walking distance approximately 13.5km/8.4 (6-7 hours).

DAY 2: CUYOC – PUMAHUANCA PASS – CUNCANI

We will start the day at 6:00 am with a cup of hot coca tea and enjoy breakfast. Then we start our
trek with a view of the snow capped peaks of Chicón, San Juan, and Verónica. Surrounded by
woods, a challenging 5 hour adventure awaits us. We climb up a path with steep stone steps and a
few tight bends to the Pumahuanca pass (4700m/15,420ft).
 From here we can enjoy the view of Moray, Maras and Salineras (the salt mines). After enjoying
the scenery we begin our 1 hour descent along a stone path with lovely views until we are close to
the lakes where we will have our lunch and enjoy a brief rest.

After lunch we walk for about 2 more hours, mostly downhill until we reach out campsite in
Cuncani (3,900m/12,795ft). Along the way may come across local farmers wearing traditional and
colorful clothing, which is typical of Lares Valley. Cuncani is very famous for its textiles which are
still being woven according to ancient traditions and techniques. You will have the opportunity to
buy handmade textiles directly from the people of Cuncani/Lares if you wish.

Walking distance approximately 13 km/8.1 mi (6-7 hours).

DAY 3: CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

Breakfast will be a little later because today’s hike is fairly easy and it is the last day of trekking.
Today we also have the opportunity to visit a traditional home where the family will share their
simple and humble way of living, connected to nature, preserving the traditional customs of
farming and weaving.

Afterwards we walk another four hours downhill until we reach the village of Lares, famous for its
medicinal hot springs, where we can enjoy a hot soak. After lunch our private transport will take
us on the 3 hour drive to Ollantaytambo where we will take the 2 hour train ride to Aguas
Calientes.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes we check in in a hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Then
rest up for Machu Picchu bring and early tomorrow morning!

Walking distance approximately 6km/3.7 (3-4 hours).

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

Breakfast is very early in order for us to take first (5:30am) bus directly to Machu Picchu (2,400
m/7,875 ft). Once we arrive at Machu Picchu you will show your entrance ticket and passport. If
you are a student you must bring your ISIC card to the entrance or you will not be permitted
entrance. You are allowed to take in a small backpack (under 20L).

From the entrance it is a 15 minute walk to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming
terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will
unfold the mysteries of this magical site, explaining the history and flora/fauna.

Your guide will spend about 2 1/2 hours relating interesting and amazing stories, explaining
temples and special sectors. Your tour of Machu Picchu will finish between 9 and 9:30am after
which you will have free time to take photos and explore before the 10:30 crowds arrive.
After you are done exploring the ruin site take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. There are many
restaurants to choose from and your guide can also help find a nice place for lunch.

NOTE: there are no bathrooms in the ruin site. There are bathrooms right outside the entrance,
cost is 1 sol per entrance, and they provide a little toilet paper. You will be provided with a report
to fill out about your trekking experience. Please fill it out honestly and realistically.

What is included
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

•Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+

•Chef

•Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.

•Pick-up from Plaza Regocijo

•Transportation by bus to Pumahuanca and from Lares to Ollantaytambo

•Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

•Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco

•Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)

•3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as
vegetarian food please let us know.

•Dining tent with tables and chairs

•4 man tent for every 2 trekkers

•3 Star Hotel on Day 3

•Sleeping mattress

•Oxygen bottle

•First aid kit

•Entrance to Machu Picchu

•Return bus from Machu Picchu to

What is not included

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)

•Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4

•Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain

•Entrance to Lares hot springs

•Tips

•Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of
your trip

REFERENCE

WHAT OU NEED TO TAKE

Original Passport

•ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)

•Walking boots

•Waterproof jacket / rain poncho

•Warm jacket

•Hat and gloves

•T-shirts

•Comfortable Trousers

•Sun hat

•Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)

•Insect repellant

•Toiletries and hand sanitiser

•Personal medication

•Camera and film

•Torch with spare batteries

HUCHUY QOSQO 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

1 Overview

The 3 day 2 nights Huchuy Qosco trek is a really nice and not too challenging
option that combines espectaculr mountain views, original Inca Trails a
community visit and a guided tour of the little known Inca site of Huchuy
Qosco which is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Taking
you off the beaten track you get away from the all the crowds of the better
known treks but still get to enjoy all the amazing things Peru has to offer.

The Huchuy Qosco trek is perfect for those with a short time frame or who
are looking for an easier trekking route.

2. ITINERARY
DAY 1: TAMBOMACHAY – PUKUMARCA

We leave Cusco at 6:00am for the 25 minute drive to Tambomachay (3,700m/12,139ft) in our
private transport and will have snacks as we drive. We start our hike walking along part of an
original Inka Trail used by Incan people to get to the Sacred Valley and probably to Machu Picchu.

From this point you can observe panoramic views of Cusco and the Valley of Qorao. We will pass
by ancient Inkan terraces before climbing to the first pass of the day (4,180m/13,714ft). As we
descend we see beautiful green valleys before hiking up to the second pass (4,300 m/14,108ft))
and into high open country and Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake). We descend 20 minutes to our
lunch spot. After lunch we continue hiking to the highest point (4,380m/14,370ft).

where we will have a view of Chincheros, the lake Piuray and snow-capped mountains Salkantay
and Veronica. After hiking two more passes we walk downhill to Pucamamarca (3,980m/13,058ft)
where we will camp for the night.

Walking

distance approximately 16 km/9.9 miles (8-9 hours hike).

DAY 2: HUCHUY QOSCO – LAMAY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

We wake up early at 6:00am, have breakfast, and begin our 1 hour hike to the recently restored
Huchuy Qosqo ruins (3,450m/11,319ft). Along the way we see lots of flora and fauna as well as
panoramic views of Lamay Valley and Calca, Willcamayo (the sacred river of the Inkas), and
mountains such as Chicon, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Waccaywilca and Veronica.

Your guide will give you a 1.5 hour tour of the site and then you will have free time to visit and
explore the complex on your own. Huchuy Qosqo was originally an administrative and military
center, and included granaries called Collcas to store and preserve food, because it was also an
important agricultural center.

By 10:00 am we continue our hike for nearly 2-hours downhill where we will have lunch. After
lunch our private vehicle will take us to Ollantaytambo where we will take the train to Aguas
Calientes. After we arrive in Aguas Calientes your guide will take you to your three star Hotel
where you can rest and freshen up before dinner.

You can also visit the hot springs before or after dinner if you wish.

Walking distance approximately 12km/7.5mi (5-6 hour hike).

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Breakfast is very early in order for us to take first (5:30am) bus directly to Machu Picchu (2,400
m/7,875 ft). Once we arrive at Machu Picchu you will show your entrance ticket and passport. If
you are a student you must bring your ISIC card to the entrance or you will not be permitted
entrance. You are allowed to take in a small backpack (under 20L).

From the entrance it is a 15 minute walk to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming
terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will
unfold the mysteries of this magical site, explaining the history and flora/fauna. Your guide will
spend about 2 1/2 hours relating interesting and amazing stories, explaining temples and special
sectors. Your tour of Machu Picchu will finish between 9 and 9:30am after which you will have free
time to take photos and explore before the 10:30 crowds arrive.

After you are done exploring the ruin site take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. There are many
restaurants to choose from and your guide can also help find a nice place for lunch.

NOTE: there are no bathrooms in the ruin site. There are bathrooms right outside the entrance,
cost is 1 sol per entrance, and they provide a little toilet paper. You will be provided with a report
to fill out about your trekking experience. Please fill it out honestly and realistically.

What is included
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

•Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+

•Chef

•Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.

•Pick-up from Plaza Regocijo

•Transportation by bus to Tambomachay and from Lamay to Ollantaytambo

•Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

•Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco

•Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)

•2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Snacks and 2 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as
vegetarian food please let us know.

•Dining tent with tables and chairs

•4 man tent for every 2 trekkers

•3 Star Hotel on Day 2

•Sleeping mattress

•Oxygen bottle

•First aid kit

•Entrance to Huchuy Qosco and Machu Picchu

•Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

What is not included

•Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)

•Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 3

•Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain

•Tips

•Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of
your trip

REFERENCE
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE
•Original Passport

•ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)

•Walking boots

•Waterproof jacket / rain poncho

•Warm jacket

•Hat and gloves

•T-shirts

•Comfortable Trousers

•Sun hat

•Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)

•Insect repellant

•Toiletries and hand sanitiser

•Personal medication

•Camera and film

•Torch with spare batteries

SALKAYTAY 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

1. OVERVIEW
The Salkantay Trek is the number one alternative to the Inca Trail. With high snow-capped
mountains, lowland jungle and a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata the trek offers a perfect mix of
trekking, culture and nature.
With fewer people on the route the Salkantay Trek allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the
Andes without any of the distractions and disturbances you find on the Inca Trail

2. ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – SALKANTAYPAMPA

Private transport will collect you from your hotel for a departure time of approximately 6:00am to
Mollepata 2900 m/9,500 ft, where we have breakfast in a local restaurant.

After breakfast we continue on a beautiful scenic journey through the Limatambo Valley, with
stops for panoramic views of the “Apu or Mountain Salkantay.” One can see awesome chains of
magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.

After we arrive at the trailhead called Sayllapata 3,500 m/11,480 ft. we will be ready for our hike
You will need to apply insect repellent for the start of the trek to lunch. We will trek for about 3
hours before lunch through traditional Andean communities such as Challacancha and
Soraypampa where we stop for lunch. We will continue walking for approximately 2 hours through
small Andean villages to Salkantaypampa 4,000 m/13,120 ft, at the base of Salkantay Mountain,
our first campsite. Walking distance approximately 12 km/7.5 miles (5 hours).

DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY

After an early breakfast we start trekking at approximately 7:00am ascending for 3 hours to the
Apacheta pass 4,600 m/15,090 ft. From this point we can enjoy a spectacular view of the
Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m/20,500 ft) and the second
highest peak in Cusco’s region. We will also see the snow capped mountains Humantay (5,850 m/
19,192 ft) and Pumasillo (5,800 m/ 19,028 ft), as well as the Salkantay river, small lakes and
moraines (terminal point of glaciers). After enjoying the view at the pass we will continue 2 hours
downhill to our lunch camp in Huayracpunku (3,800 m/12,467 ft).

After lunch we walk 3 more hours downhill and you will notice the marked change in scenery
along the way from Andean plateau to high jungle where the landscape is warmer, more humid,
and quite lush. As we enter the high jungle you will need to apply insect repellent. We end our 3
hour hike at our campsite Chaullay (2,920 m/9,580 ft). Because this campsite is at lower elevation
it will be warmer at night here. Walking distance approximately 19 km/11.8 miles (9 hours)
DAY 3: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA
After breakfast you will be given snacks and cooled, boiled water for your bottles and you will
need to apply insect repellent and continue to reapply the repellent throughout the day. It will
usually be warm out in this location so you can hike in shorts if you like.

We start at 7:00am with an easy 6 hour hike through the Totora Valley which is part of the high
jungle or Ceja de Selva. We will see a wide variety of plants including different fruit, flowers, birds
and other various crops (e.g. coca, coffee, avocado, and bananas). Along this trail we will pass a
beautiful waterfall and several streams. With luck we can observe the famous Peruvian national
bird, “Gallito de las Rocas.” We continue hiking straight to our campsite at La Playa (2,350 m/7,612
ft) where we will enjoy lunch and some time to rest before having happy hour and dinner later in
the evening. At this campsite you will be able to take a cold shower if you wish and can also
purchase various drinks, avocados, grenadines, and other snacks and fruit. Walking distance
approximately 15 km/9.3 miles (6 hours)

DAY 4: LA PLAYA – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, around 7:00am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba where we will see
the remains of an original Inca trail. We are fortunate enough to trek on this rising trail along
which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit, avocado, and we will have a lovely
view of the lush Santa Teresa Valley. We follow the Inca trail climbing up for 3 hours to Llactapata
(2,700 m/8,858 ft) an Inca ruin.

From here we can see Machu Picchu from in a distance and enjoy some free time to rest, use the
restroom (1 sol), and buy drinks or snacks if you wish. After visiting Llactapata we walk 2 hours
downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1,870 m/6,135 ft and have lunch in a local restaurant near the
hydroelectric train. At 4:45pm we will take the 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes, the
town below Machu Picchu (2,000 m/6,561 ft). Once in town you will be taken to a hotel for the
night to have a hot shower, put your stuff down, and you can visit the local hot springs (open until
9pm, 10 soles per person, bring your own towel and sandals) if you wish before or after our dinner
in a local restaurant. Walking distance approximately 15 km/9.3 miles (5 hours).
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

Breakfast is very early in order for us to take first (5:30am) bus directly to Machu Picchu (2,400
m/7,875 ft). Once we arrive at Machu Picchu you will show your entrance ticket and passport. If
you are a student you must bring your ISIC card to the entrance or you will not be permitted
entrance. You are allowed to take in a small backpack (under 20L).

From the entrance it is a 15 minute walk to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming
terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will
unfold the mysteries of this magical site, explaining the history and flora/fauna. Your guide will
spend about 2 1/2 hours relating interesting and amazing stories, explaining temples and special
sectors. Your tour of Machu Picchu will finish between 9 and 9:30am after which you will have free
time to take photos and explore before the 10:30 crowds arrive. After you are done exploring the
ruin site take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.

There are many restaurants to choose from and your guide can also help find a nice place for
lunch.

NOTE: there are no bathrooms in the ruin site. There are bathrooms right outside the entrance,
cost is 1 sol per entrance, and they provide a little toilet paper. You will be provided with a report
to fill out about your trekking experience. Please fill it out honestly and realistically

3. WHAT IS INCLUDED
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

•Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+

•Chef

•Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.

•Pick-up from your hotel

•Transportation by bus to Mollepata

•Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco

•Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
•4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as
vegetarian food please let us know.

•Dining tent with tables and chairs

•4 man tent for every 2 trekkers

•3 star hotel for final night

•Sleeping mattress

•Oxygen bottle

•First aid kit

•Entrance to Machu Picchu

•Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

4 WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)

•Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5

•Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain

•Tips

•Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of
your trip.

4. REFERENCE

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE

Original Passport

•ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)

•Walking boots

•Waterproof jacket / rain poncho

•Warm jacket

•Hat and gloves

•T-shirts

•Comfortable Trousers

•Sun hat

•Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)

•Insect repellant

•Toiletries and hand sanitiser

•Personal medication

•Camera and film

•Torch with spare batteries.

The RAINBOW TREK & MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE

1 . OVERVIEW
is the best of both worlds: a stunning trek past snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, glacial
peaks, colorful striated mountains, all ending with a tour of one of the 7 man-made wonders of
the world, Machu Picchu! The Rainbow Trek is a new route located in the high Andes and traverses
the incredibly colorful Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountains.

This beautiful multi-day hike is tucked away in a well hidden section of the Vilcanota Mountain
range. Surrounded by glacial mountains, this route treks in the shadow of the highest mountain in
the Cusco Region, Ausangate (6300m/21,000ft). This is a true off the beaten path wilderness trek –
above the tree line with incredible views of the Andes and glacial peaks.

The Rainbow Mountains or Vinicunca Mountains are composed of stratified layers of sandstone.
These fine grained rock layers contain large amounts of iron and other minerals which give the
mountains the pigments for the various colored stripes. Along your journey you will see turquoise
lakes, glacial mountains, llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, and maybe even a wild vicuña. Come and be
one of the first adventurers to make this trek with us. If you would like to do the Rainbow Trek
without Machu Picchu you can see the itinerary here:

2. Itinirary

DAY 01: CUSCO – TINKI VILLAGE – UPIS (CAMPING AT HOT SPRINGS)

Early transfer from your hotel in Cusco with 6:00 am departure. We drive for
4 hours on a new highway to Tinqui, passing Urcos Pass (4,000 m/13,123 ft)
along the way. Tinqui is a village on the high plains “altiplano” east from
Cusco and is where we will start our trek. We follow a wide, gently ascending
path toward the northwest face of the impressive Ausangate mountain.
Along the way we will have magnificent views of Ausangate
(6300m/21,000ft). On this trail we pass a few traditional houses and may
meet some local people dressed in their colorful, traditional clothing while
accompanying their grazing animals which are indigenous to this area –
llamas and alpacas.

We will eat our lunch surrounded by stunning mountains and an excellent

view of Ausangate Glacier. We then continue walking through fields and by
scattered stone farm houses, for another 2 hours. We ascend gently to the
Upis pass (4,435 m/14,107 ft) and camp at Upis Hot Springs (4,250 m/13,779
ft) where we will be surrounded by snow capped mountains (Ausangate and
Maria Huamantilla).There are thermal hot springs at Upis where we can
enjoy a soak at the end of the day. Happy hour at 4:00pm and dinner at
6:00pm.

Walking distance approximately 16 km/9.9 miles (6 hour acclimatizing hike).

Campsite elevation: 4100m/13,450ft

DAY 02: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCACCOCHA

After an early breakfast we begin our second day of the hike. You will hike
very close to the Ausangate glacier peak and will have incredible views of this
mountain as well as beautiful lakes and waterfalls. We may see some llamas,
alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca) and
perhaps a rare condor soaring above.

We will have a 3-hour uphill hike to reach the first pass (4800m/15,748ft)
where you will have magnificent views of the surrounding area. After taking a
few amazing pictures we continue hiking gradually downhill for another 1½
hours to our beautiful lunch spot. After lunch we hike for another 2½ hours
to arrive at our campsite at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake). This spot is one of the
most beautiful campsites located at the skirt of the Ausangate peak and at
the bank of the lake.

Approximate walking distance: 12km/7.5 miles (7-8 hours). Campsite

elevation: 4300m/14,100ft

DAY 03: PUCACCOCHA – PUCA PASS – CHILLCA VALLEY – ANANTAPATA

Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea to start one of the most beautiful
days of the trek, enjoying majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the
Andes and depths of the beautiful valleys. This morning we will summit the
Puca Pass. After an early breakfast we begin our 2-hour steep climb to the
Puca Pass at (5050m/16,568ft). Along the way we have gorgeous views of
turquoise lakes and the Ausangate glacier.

Once you reach the summit of this mountain, you will be located right in
front of the Ausangate Mountain and you can enjoy the views of Chillca
Valley, with alpaca grazing along these hills. Also from this pass you will see
the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with their strikingly striated
colors. After taking some great pictures we continue gradually downhill for
another 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot located in Chillca Valley with
amazing views of green hills and snow-capped peaks.

After enjoying your lunch and a little rest and relaxation, you will continue
on to the Anantapata campsite at 4400m/14,435ft. To reach camp we will
hike along a gentle trail for 2-hours with a short climb at the end. Along the
way we may see some condors and vicuñas if we are lucky.

Approximate walking distance/time: 15 km/9.3 miles (about 6 hours).

Campsite elevation: 4400m/14,435ft

DAY 04: ANANTAPATA – YANACOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAINS – CHILLCA

VILLAGE – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we hike gradually uphill for 1½ hours until we reach the highest pass of
the trek, the Pitumarca pass 5250m/17,224ft. After enjoying the views at the top we descend for
20 minutes to Yanacocha lake. Then we continue for 1 hour to the famous RAINBOW MOUNTAINS
(Vinicunca Mountains or Montañas de Colores) and the Red Mountain Valley located at
5200m/17,060ft elevation. Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect postcard
pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding peaks.

Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various
minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. This is definitely one of the most
stunning places in South America and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru. There
are Rainbow Mountains in only a few other locations in the world.

After taking photos and enjoying the view, you will continue on your expedition downhill along
the Chillca Valley for about 3 hours where we will enjoy an early lunch and meet our private
transport. We will then drive back to Cusco – about a 4-hour drive that provides nice views of the
Andes, passing some traditional villages along the way. Once in Cusco we will go to our hotel to
freshen up and relax before our celebratory group dinner.

Approximate walking distance: 16 km /9.95 miles (about 6 hours). Overnight in a hotel in Cusco.

DAY 6: CUSCO – MARAS – MORAY – SALINERAS – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast at our hotel we take our private transport to Maras Village (3,300m/10,827ft).
Maras is a beautiful little colonial town, still boasting some colonial architecture. You can see
amazing facades made of thin stone, and lintels with sculptures in bas-relief. After exploring Maras
we continue driving to Moray ruins located at (3,450m/11,319ft).

Moray Ruins consist of circular agricultural terraces at high altitude with a complex system of
irrigation. These terraces served as a natural green house to grow an extraordinary variety of
crops that would normally only thrive in tropical climates. It has also been suggested that they had
a cosmological meaning. After exploring the terraces we continue to Salineras, which consists of
3,000 small pools, roughly 5 square meters (53.8 ft²). Every three days, during the dry season,
workers fill the pools with salt water that comes from local natural springs. When the water
evaporates from the pool the salt is left for collection.

This process is carried out over a one month period until the pools reach an approximate volume
of solid salt that is 10 centimeters (4 inches) in height. The salt is ground up, treated with iodine,
and packaged and sent to the various markets in the region. After exploring the salt mines of
Salineras we take our private transport to Ollantaytambo where we catch the train to Aguas
Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes we check into our comfortable hotel to freshen up before
dinner. You can soak in the local hot springs before or after dinner if you wish. Tomorrow we get
up early to see the incredible Machu Picchu
DAY 7: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Breakfast is very early in order for us to take first (5:30am) bus directly to Machu Picchu (2,400
m/7,875 ft). Once we arrive at Machu Picchu you will show your entrance ticket and passport. If
you are a student you must bring your ISIC card to the entrance or you will not be permitted
entrance. You are allowed to take in a small backpack (under 20L).

From the entrance it is a 15 minute walk to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming
terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machu Picchu with your guide who will
unfold the mysteries of this magical site, explaining the history and flora/fauna. Your guide will
spend about 2 1/2 hours relating interesting and amazing stories, explaining temples and special
sectors. Your tour of Machu Picchu will finish between 9 and 9:30am after which you will have free
time to take photos and explore before the 10:30 crowds arrive. After you are done exploring the
ruin site take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. There are many restaurants to choose from and
your guide can also help find a nice place for lunch.

NOTE: there are no bathrooms in the ruin site. There are bathrooms right outside the entrance,
cost is 1 Sol per entrance, and they provide a little toilet paper. You will be provided with a report
to fill out about your trekking experience. Please fill it out honestly and realistically.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

•Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and
answer any questions

•Collection from your hotel in the morning or our departure point (you choice) Plaza Regocijo

•Private bus transport to start of the trek (day 1) and back to Cusco (day 4)

•Private bus transport through the Sacred Valley (Maras, Moray & Salineras and on to
Ollantaytambo day 5)

•Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs

•Dry bag in which to put your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty on the trail

•3 person, 4 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear Expedition tent)

•Extra-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag

•English speaking professional guide

•Full meals (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)

•First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

•Emergency horse (1-2 per group depending on group size)

•Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent

•Dining and cooking tents with tables and stools

•Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)

•Hot water every morning/evening for washing purposes

•Boiled water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon

•Entrance to the Ausangate/Rainbow Trek Trail

•Hotel (double room) in Cusco (Night 5)

•Celebratory dinner in Cusco (Night 5)

•Round trip train: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back

•Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex

•Guided tour of Machu Picchu, plenty of time to explore on your own

•Hotel in Aguas Calientes and dinner in a local restaurant

•Private transport back to Cusco (day 6

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

•Flights

•Hotel before/after trek

•Items of a personal nature/souvenirs

•Lunch and dinner on the last day

•Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)

•Entrance to hot springs (10 soles)

•Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (25USD each)

•Travel/medical insurance

•Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek